“The SDV technical disruption has already hit,” says Raul Latorre Fortes, director for SDV business development at Elektrobit. For automakers and suppliers, the question is no longer if change is coming, but how quickly they can adapt.
This disruption is forcing automakers to re-evaluate long-held development strategies built around hardware-first thinking. In the past, each new car platform often meant starting the software from the beginning again. According to Latorre Fortes, this made sense in a slower, more mechanical industry. “When that car line ended, the next platform would start over from scratch.” Today, however, consumer demand for frequent feature updates and digital enhancements requires a more agile approach.
Moving on from legacy thinking
SDV development depends on breaking the tight and longtime coupling between hardware and software. “Our goal is to enhance flexibility, streamline workflows, and accelerate innovation,” says Latorre Fortes. Separating software from hardware, automakers can reuse existing code and components, ultimately saving time and money.
“We want to bridge the old and new worlds by integrating legacy tools that still deliver value in a future-ready architecture,” says Latorre Fortes.
Virtualization as an accelerator
Virtual development is one of the key ways automakers can accelerate their SDV journey. Virtualization tools, including a virtual ECU creator and a digital high-performance computer (HPC), enable rapid testing and software validation. Latorre Fortes shares that one Tier 1 supplier using Elektrobit’s tools has reduced costs by up to 40 percent and sped up go-to-market timelines by more than 30 percent.
The benefits also extend to infotainment. With its Virtual IVI Development for Android, Elektrobit provides a cloud-to-cockpit digital twin that decouples development from physical hardware. “Simulation allows work on software to commence before hardware has even been decided on,” explains Latorre Fortes. The company applied this approach to Sony Honda Mobility’s Afeela 1, scheduled for production in 2026. Elektrobit developed an advanced software architecture that allowed signature Sony experiences, like PlayStation gaming, to become part of the vehicle’s digital offering. The result, according to Latorre Fortes, is an in-vehicle system that “authentically” expresses the brand’s identity.
Modernizing safely
While the push for SDV innovation is strong, safety cannot be compromised. EB corbos Linux for Safety Applications brings together open-source flexibility and functional safety by enabling multiple virtual machines on a single hardware unit. “We put Linux on top of a hypervisor and then add a safety monitor,” Latorre Fortes explains. This makes it possible to update systems in the field without impacting safety-critical functions and helps automakers meet standards like ISO 26262 ASIL B and IEC 61508 SIL 2.
EB corbos Link, another tool in the Elektrobit portfolio, facilitates communication between AUTOSAR and Android ecosystems.
Traditionally, this required complex and purpose-built development. Now, it’s an off-the-shelf middleware solution that improves interoperability and supports future upgrades. One OEM is already using EB corbos Link to enable long-term updateability for Android-based applications – a practical example of SDV value in action.
Building a path to SDV Level 3
The move toward zonal and centralized architectures also plays a role in scaling SDV capabilities. “Putting more computing power in vehicle HPCs is a big trend,” notes Latorre Fortes. To support this, Elektrobit offers EB zoneo, which improves in-vehicle networking and prepares automakers for modern E/E architectures. Additionally, advanced safety solutions like EB tresos Safety Fail-operational ensure system stability even in the event of component failures, helping enable Level 3 automated driving features.
Elektrobit is also modernizing traditional software stacks. EB tresos, its real-time computing software, is SDV-ready and designed to fit within new development workflows without requiring a complete overhaul. “Our goal isn’t to reinvent the wheel,” says Latorre Fortes, “but to modernize the toolchain where it makes sense.”
A collaborative future
The SDV is further evolving, and success will depend on industry-wide collaboration and open-source contributions. “Many of the things we’re doing are in partnership with customers, technology leaders, and industry suppliers,” says Latorre Fortes. Elektrobit participates in groups such as Eclipse, Jaspar, and Automotive Grade Linux to help build a more open and modular software ecosystem.
That broader shift will take time, and not every automaker will advance at the same pace. Still, the pressure is growing. “The shift to software-first processes is no longer an option. It is necessary for automakers to remain competitive,” Latorre Fortes states.
The SDV is no longer on the horizon, or a hypothetical concept. It is becoming the defining platform for innovation, customer experience, and long-term value. Automakers that act now will be well-positioned to differentiate with digital features and future-proof their vehicles. Those who delay could be left behind.
“If OEMs do not start embracing SDV technology and software-centric workflows, they will be left behind.”
Explore how we at Elektrobit are accelerating SDV development. Visit our SDV solutions page.
Author
Raul Latorre Fortes
Director for SDV Business Development
